COMPOSITION OF LIGNIN-DEGRADATION PRODUCTS, LIPIDS, AND OPAL PHYTOLITHS IN A PEAT PROFILE ACCUMULATED SINCE 32,000 YEARS BP IN CENTRAL JAPAN

The compositions of lignin degradation products, fatty acids as well a s opal phytoliths of peaty sediments were correlated with the environm ental and climatic changes of a wetland which has been formed continuo usly since 32,000 yBP in Central Japan. Determination of phenolic and lipid compounds provided information on the aerobic and anaerobic cond itions of the wetland as well as the types of vegetation. Palmitic and stearic acids were more decomposable and their contents reflected wel l the changes in the state of the wetland. These trends agreed well wi th the field-observation of the characteristics of the profile and wit h the results of opal phytolith analysis. The combination of organic c hemical analysis and plant phytolith analysis was found to be effectiv e for elucidating the paleo-environment surrounding the wetland.